What can I do if everyone is depressed in my house?

[WishfulThinkingToday]

From my DD12 struggling with serious mental health concerns, to DD18, DS17, DS15 all seem sad in their own ways. I am struggling with depression and my DH is struggling but wont admit (works more than full time hours, stressed and having to support everyone’s mental health as well as his own stresses). There is a strong element of ASD/ADHD in the house too, and we are all secluded.

It all seems like we are not doing something right. What can we do to fix this?

So far my DD12 and I have seen psychiatrists to help figure out what is wrong. Almost everyone else is getting assessed for neurodivergence.

How can I change the home environment to help the depression? Is there someone who can help? If I told social services would they help?

I feel like I am struggling and taking everyone down with me.

Are they sad because their sister and their parents have mental health issues? That can be very very difficult to live with especially as they’re ’secluded.’ You all need to do activities separately and together outside the house.

That’s amazing OP. It’s difficult enough to summon up your own energy to do something so positive when you are feeling low, let alone to rally your troops to join you as well. I hope you are feeling sufficiently pleased with yourself. Small steps forward is the way to go. ⭐️

How are you doing @WishfulThinkingToday?

Thanks for asking Summerhillsquare,

I am feeling a little better now that the summer holidays are over. Everyone is back at school and DD12 has seen the psychiatrist again and we have a better plan of action. The walks mainly consist of the toddler and I (usually chasing her), and I have my own counselling sessions next week. I am starting jogging again tomorrow after being ill for a couple of weeks, and that will also make me feel a little better.

My DD18 is moving to university in two weeks, and we are trying to pack and get ready for that big change. My DS15 is getting up to no good with his friends in the park, and DS17 is still in their room (no change - happy there).

I think the worst part is over - We all seem to really struggle with lack of a routine in the summer holidays. Now that all the toddler groups are back on and I have places to go it isn’t so bad.